Friday, December 18, 2009
Counselors November Report
Click HERE to read the report from the Tunza Children's Center counselors about their work with the kids in November.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sponsor Christmas dinner for a family in Kibera!
Everyone in Kibera is getting geared up for Christmas right now - this mostly means trying to find their best outfit to wear to church for the day. Most families living in the slum cannot afford to buy presents for each other or even a nice meal. Dinner on Christmas day will consist of the common staple foods, ugali (maize flour that is boiled into a doughy porridge) and sukuma wiki (kale).
We want to try and set up as many families in our HIV outreach as possible with a nice Christmas dinner this year. This will consist of meat or chicken, rice, vegetables, cake and tea. All of this can be purchased for a mere $15!!
Families in Kibera are living in some of the worst conditions imaginable and many can go a whole day without eating. It would mean so much to them to have a special meal on Christmas. If you would like to sponsor a family this Christmas, please go HERE and make a donation, designating it for Christmas Dinner sponsorship.
After Christmas, we will e-mail you a picture of the family you helped.
Spread the word to anyone that might be interested in helping a family in need this Christmas!
We want to try and set up as many families in our HIV outreach as possible with a nice Christmas dinner this year. This will consist of meat or chicken, rice, vegetables, cake and tea. All of this can be purchased for a mere $15!!
Families in Kibera are living in some of the worst conditions imaginable and many can go a whole day without eating. It would mean so much to them to have a special meal on Christmas. If you would like to sponsor a family this Christmas, please go HERE and make a donation, designating it for Christmas Dinner sponsorship.
After Christmas, we will e-mail you a picture of the family you helped.
Spread the word to anyone that might be interested in helping a family in need this Christmas!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Brian goes home!
Today, after two long months in the hospital, Brian finally returned home. The final bill amounted to 62,510 shillings (about $850) and thanks to the help of our generous donors, we were able to pay it in full!
During his time at the hospital, he received three blood transfusions and a skin graft on his leg. A series of tests was done to determine the cause of his frequent health problems (all which came back normal). They told us that he was just really malnourished (and probably anemic) and that if he is just given a balanced diet, he will be okay.
Just as a reminder, here is Brian a few days after he was admitted....
And here he is now!
He now has full use of his leg (prior to being admitted to the hospital, he could not even move it and had to be carried around).
He will continue to return to the hospital three times a week for a checkup until the leg is completely healed. We received so much help and concern for Brian and we are so grateful - you really changed his life and I know he won't soon forget it!
Addendum: I just received a text from Brian's mom that she would like to give me "a vote of thanks for what you have done to Brian because I am sure that minus you maybe he could have died so I pray to God to lead your future." I just wanted to extend that vote of thanks to all of you as well!
During his time at the hospital, he received three blood transfusions and a skin graft on his leg. A series of tests was done to determine the cause of his frequent health problems (all which came back normal). They told us that he was just really malnourished (and probably anemic) and that if he is just given a balanced diet, he will be okay.
Just as a reminder, here is Brian a few days after he was admitted....
And here he is now!
He now has full use of his leg (prior to being admitted to the hospital, he could not even move it and had to be carried around).
He will continue to return to the hospital three times a week for a checkup until the leg is completely healed. We received so much help and concern for Brian and we are so grateful - you really changed his life and I know he won't soon forget it!
Addendum: I just received a text from Brian's mom that she would like to give me "a vote of thanks for what you have done to Brian because I am sure that minus you maybe he could have died so I pray to God to lead your future." I just wanted to extend that vote of thanks to all of you as well!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Faces of Kibera eBay Auction
Faces of Kibera, one of our favorite organizations working to help the kids in Kibera, (and one we frequently partner with!) is having their annual eBay auction.
Items being auctioned off include:
4 tickets to the Carolina Panthers Game Dec 27th with VIP Pre Game Field Passes
VIP Day for 4 to Giants training Camp 2010 in Albany
Signed Jerseys: Kevin Boss, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Eli Manning, Steve Smith, Hakim Nicks, Antonio Pierce.
Autographed NY Giants balls: Kevin Boss, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Eli Manning, Steve Smith, Hakim Nicks.
Signed Ringo Starr Drum Skin
And more!
The goal of Faces of Kibera is "to create and support a community-based facility for orphans outside Kibera. Funds raised will be spent on housing, food, psychological and medical care. We want to make a safe place the children can call their home, a family they can depend on and a hopeful future."
Read more about Faces of Kibera at www.facesofkibera.org. Check out the auction and place a bid HERE!
Items being auctioned off include:
4 tickets to the Carolina Panthers Game Dec 27th with VIP Pre Game Field Passes
VIP Day for 4 to Giants training Camp 2010 in Albany
Signed Jerseys: Kevin Boss, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Eli Manning, Steve Smith, Hakim Nicks, Antonio Pierce.
Autographed NY Giants balls: Kevin Boss, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Eli Manning, Steve Smith, Hakim Nicks.
Signed Ringo Starr Drum Skin
And more!
The goal of Faces of Kibera is "to create and support a community-based facility for orphans outside Kibera. Funds raised will be spent on housing, food, psychological and medical care. We want to make a safe place the children can call their home, a family they can depend on and a hopeful future."
Read more about Faces of Kibera at www.facesofkibera.org. Check out the auction and place a bid HERE!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tunza Party and the End of an Era
Today, we had a party at Tunza Children's Center in Kibera. The party was for several occasions. First, none of the kids at Tunza ever get a birthday party (and some don't even know their birthday), so we decided to celebrate for everyone all on one day. Secondly, the Class 8 (end of primary school) and Form 4 (end of secondary school) kids just finished their very important exams and we wanted to celebrate their achievements. Finally, starting next week and finishing by the end of this month, all of the kids will be moving out of Kibera to the new home in Ngong.
By December, Tunza Children's Center in Kibera will not be home to any more children and will be closed. It will re-open as a school in January 2010 but Tunza, the children's home in Kibera, will no longer exist. I (Jen) have volunteered at Tunza since 2006 - this is my fourth summer - and it is surreal to think that the home will be gone. Tunza has always played a central role in my trips to Kenya and has been the place where I feel most at home in Kibera. I know it has also played this role for a lot of volunteers.
The move to Ngong is definitely better for the children in terms of hygiene and sanitation and space. The conditions in Kibera were terrible and those in Ngong are much improved. Because the great majority of our work is carried out in Kibera and because the home in Ngong takes a while to get to, our role in supporting Tunza will decrease dramatically once they move from Kibera. We will continue to sponsor the six children from Tunza that we do now and will visit the center from time to time to check up on the kids but it will be next to impossible for us to play a major role in supporting the center. We will also continue to send our counselors to Ngong every week.
It will be a big transition but we have some really great projects in Kibera that we are excited to devote more money and efforts to. We look forward both to seeing a better life for the kids in Ngong and improving some of these projects that we haven't been able to put a lot of effort into, due to the time-consuming nature of assisting a children's home.
By December, Tunza Children's Center in Kibera will not be home to any more children and will be closed. It will re-open as a school in January 2010 but Tunza, the children's home in Kibera, will no longer exist. I (Jen) have volunteered at Tunza since 2006 - this is my fourth summer - and it is surreal to think that the home will be gone. Tunza has always played a central role in my trips to Kenya and has been the place where I feel most at home in Kibera. I know it has also played this role for a lot of volunteers.
The move to Ngong is definitely better for the children in terms of hygiene and sanitation and space. The conditions in Kibera were terrible and those in Ngong are much improved. Because the great majority of our work is carried out in Kibera and because the home in Ngong takes a while to get to, our role in supporting Tunza will decrease dramatically once they move from Kibera. We will continue to sponsor the six children from Tunza that we do now and will visit the center from time to time to check up on the kids but it will be next to impossible for us to play a major role in supporting the center. We will also continue to send our counselors to Ngong every week.
It will be a big transition but we have some really great projects in Kibera that we are excited to devote more money and efforts to. We look forward both to seeing a better life for the kids in Ngong and improving some of these projects that we haven't been able to put a lot of effort into, due to the time-consuming nature of assisting a children's home.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Counselors October Report
This past month has been busy for the Tunza kids, with a lot of transitions taking place. They also continue to adjust to life in Ngong. The counselors have really helped them get through this time.
Click HERE to read their report for October.
Click HERE to read their report for October.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Support Group Business Start-Ups
Since last October, we have been selling jewelry and bags in the United States made by members of HIV positive support groups in Kibera. These groups meet weekly for various purposes - one group conducts a savings project where they each contribute a little bit of money to a group account each week and another has started a business and a small shop to sell jewelry, bags and other goods.
A large portion of the profits that was made selling these items went directly to the members of the group and was used for things like paying rent, hospital bills, food and children's school fees. Another portion has been used to buy medicine, provide transport to the hospital or cover bills for members when they become sick. The final portion we have decided to start a business start-up project to help the members of the group sustain themselves.
In September, we started meeting with one of the groups, which is composed of 20 members. In keeping with Uweza's idea of empowering, we would like the groups to sustain the project themselves, rather than have us tell them how to operate, so they decided all of the ground rules. They divided into groups of four (five groups total) and wrote up business proposals - their businesses include selling eggs, soap, rice and other items. They drew up paperwork and required each group member to fill out a form and provide a photocopy of their ID. When I asked them what they would do if a group member didn't pay back their start-up money, they all responded that they would "auction off all of their belongings." So it seems they are pretty serious!
We decided to give each group of four people 10,000 shillings (or $130) to start their businesses. The group decided that in order to motivate themselves to succeed, they would like to pay back the full amount to a group account with the addition of 5% interest every month. Once they fully pay back these business start-up loans (to themselves), they can use the money plus interest to improve/further sustain their businesses.
The 10,000 shillings per group was distributed on October 4 and it has now been four weeks. They have reported that everyone is paying back their loan and no one has defaulted. We are very hopeful that this project will succeed and will help these 20 people living with HIV to support themselves and their families.
We met with another group of five ladies today that would like to start a business selling charcoal. They will be opening a group account and we hope to provide them with the start-up funds in the next week.
The jewelry and bag sales are continuing in the United States and we are very grateful for everyone that has bought something and supported these men and women. They are so grateful to have the opportunity to make their lives better for themselves and their children.
If you are interested in purchasing an item made by the groups or in helping us by holding a sale, let us know!
Pictures of the men and women and their businesses are coming soon, we hope, so stay tuned!
A large portion of the profits that was made selling these items went directly to the members of the group and was used for things like paying rent, hospital bills, food and children's school fees. Another portion has been used to buy medicine, provide transport to the hospital or cover bills for members when they become sick. The final portion we have decided to start a business start-up project to help the members of the group sustain themselves.
In September, we started meeting with one of the groups, which is composed of 20 members. In keeping with Uweza's idea of empowering, we would like the groups to sustain the project themselves, rather than have us tell them how to operate, so they decided all of the ground rules. They divided into groups of four (five groups total) and wrote up business proposals - their businesses include selling eggs, soap, rice and other items. They drew up paperwork and required each group member to fill out a form and provide a photocopy of their ID. When I asked them what they would do if a group member didn't pay back their start-up money, they all responded that they would "auction off all of their belongings." So it seems they are pretty serious!
We decided to give each group of four people 10,000 shillings (or $130) to start their businesses. The group decided that in order to motivate themselves to succeed, they would like to pay back the full amount to a group account with the addition of 5% interest every month. Once they fully pay back these business start-up loans (to themselves), they can use the money plus interest to improve/further sustain their businesses.
The 10,000 shillings per group was distributed on October 4 and it has now been four weeks. They have reported that everyone is paying back their loan and no one has defaulted. We are very hopeful that this project will succeed and will help these 20 people living with HIV to support themselves and their families.
We met with another group of five ladies today that would like to start a business selling charcoal. They will be opening a group account and we hope to provide them with the start-up funds in the next week.
The jewelry and bag sales are continuing in the United States and we are very grateful for everyone that has bought something and supported these men and women. They are so grateful to have the opportunity to make their lives better for themselves and their children.
If you are interested in purchasing an item made by the groups or in helping us by holding a sale, let us know!
Pictures of the men and women and their businesses are coming soon, we hope, so stay tuned!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Brian Needs Your Help!
Brian Makoha is 7 years old and lives in Kibera with his mother, his older sister and his 9-month old brother. His father died several years ago and his mother does not have a job or source of income.
Almost 3 months ago, in July, Brian's mother was cooking on a wood-burning stove inside their small home. While she left to go to the shop, Brian accidentally knocked over the stove. Half of the house caught on fire and Brian was unable to escape in time. He suffered from third degree burns on his leg, all the way from the top of his foot to his knee.
His mother, not having the money to afford to take him to a proper hospital, carried Brian to a clinic near their home. The clinic applied some medicine and wrapped the burn. She repeated this every day but was unable to pay any money and after 17 visits (and almost $100 accumulated in debt), the clinic refused to treat Brian anymore. At this point, the burn had not healed, as Brian lost several layers of skin.
His mother, still not knowing what to do, took advice from a neighbor to treat the burn at home. She began to burn a burlap sack, mix the ashes with sugar water and apply them to Brian's leg. To all of us, this seems terrible, but to a desperate mother with no way out, it seemed like the only option.
Brian does not have enough blood, which was compounded by the blood loss from his burn, his heart beats irregularly, and his immune system is very weak. He is currently so skinny and deprived of blood that you can literally see his heart beating in his chest.
Brian, healthy, in January 2009
When we saw how bad the situation was, we knew that something had to be done. On September 30, we brought him to Kenyatta National Hospital where a scan was done on his heart and other organs and he was admitted to the Pediatric Burn Unit. They wrapped his leg, treated it with medication, gave him blood thickening medication and ordered a series of blood transfusions.
Brian now
Many of you may remember the case of Cyrus last year. He desperately needed medical care and thanks to the generosity of donors, we were able to save his life.
Once again, we need to ask your help. Brian is still admitted in the hospital, with no end yet in sight. The doctors are reporting that he needs a skin graft on his leg because the old skin will never grow back.
So far, we have spent about $200 on his care but the greatest hit will come when he is discharged from Kenyatta and we must pay the final bill. Money will also be needed to continue to ensure that the wound heals and that he is okay once he leaves the hospital.
We at Uweza, Brian and Brian's family would truly appreciate your assistance. We have already seen great improvements in Brian's condition. This weekend he was able to walk for the first time since he was burned and he is laughing and smiling for the first time as well. We want to do everything we can to help him but we honestly won't be able to without your help.
Please, please, please help Brian. Your money will truly be saving the life of a child in need and will not go to waste.
Click HERE to donate and help Brian now.
Click HERE to share this blog post on Facebook.
Send us an email at info@uweza.org with any questions.
Thanks for reading!
Almost 3 months ago, in July, Brian's mother was cooking on a wood-burning stove inside their small home. While she left to go to the shop, Brian accidentally knocked over the stove. Half of the house caught on fire and Brian was unable to escape in time. He suffered from third degree burns on his leg, all the way from the top of his foot to his knee.
His mother, not having the money to afford to take him to a proper hospital, carried Brian to a clinic near their home. The clinic applied some medicine and wrapped the burn. She repeated this every day but was unable to pay any money and after 17 visits (and almost $100 accumulated in debt), the clinic refused to treat Brian anymore. At this point, the burn had not healed, as Brian lost several layers of skin.
His mother, still not knowing what to do, took advice from a neighbor to treat the burn at home. She began to burn a burlap sack, mix the ashes with sugar water and apply them to Brian's leg. To all of us, this seems terrible, but to a desperate mother with no way out, it seemed like the only option.
Brian does not have enough blood, which was compounded by the blood loss from his burn, his heart beats irregularly, and his immune system is very weak. He is currently so skinny and deprived of blood that you can literally see his heart beating in his chest.
When we saw how bad the situation was, we knew that something had to be done. On September 30, we brought him to Kenyatta National Hospital where a scan was done on his heart and other organs and he was admitted to the Pediatric Burn Unit. They wrapped his leg, treated it with medication, gave him blood thickening medication and ordered a series of blood transfusions.
Many of you may remember the case of Cyrus last year. He desperately needed medical care and thanks to the generosity of donors, we were able to save his life.
Once again, we need to ask your help. Brian is still admitted in the hospital, with no end yet in sight. The doctors are reporting that he needs a skin graft on his leg because the old skin will never grow back.
So far, we have spent about $200 on his care but the greatest hit will come when he is discharged from Kenyatta and we must pay the final bill. Money will also be needed to continue to ensure that the wound heals and that he is okay once he leaves the hospital.
We at Uweza, Brian and Brian's family would truly appreciate your assistance. We have already seen great improvements in Brian's condition. This weekend he was able to walk for the first time since he was burned and he is laughing and smiling for the first time as well. We want to do everything we can to help him but we honestly won't be able to without your help.
Please, please, please help Brian. Your money will truly be saving the life of a child in need and will not go to waste.
Click HERE to donate and help Brian now.
Click HERE to share this blog post on Facebook.
Send us an email at info@uweza.org with any questions.
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Counselors September Report
The Tunza counselors, Collins and Becky, continue to be a great resource both to the kids at Tunza and to us in understanding the issues/problems facing the kids and how we can help.
Click HERE to read their report for September.
Click HERE to read their report for September.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Under 10 team wins third place!
Since we last wrote about our Under 10 and Under 17 teams playing in a tournament with about ten other teams from Kibera, both lost the match that would have qualified them for the tournament finals.
However, because of an earlier victory, the Under 10 team had the chance to play in a match for third place yesterday. Our team played well and the game went into a penalty shootout. The shooters made two goals in a row and the goalie blocked two in a row and we won the match!
The boys were so excited and jumping all over each other and cheering. As part of their win, they received a trophy, new uniforms and some balls from the tournament organizers. After the game, they all huddled up with their coach and said a prayer. Then the coach asked them what they were playing for, to which they all responded in unison "LUNCH!!"
So after the game, all 22 of them headed to a restaurant where they were rewarded for their victory with a hearty meal.
However, because of an earlier victory, the Under 10 team had the chance to play in a match for third place yesterday. Our team played well and the game went into a penalty shootout. The shooters made two goals in a row and the goalie blocked two in a row and we won the match!
The boys were so excited and jumping all over each other and cheering. As part of their win, they received a trophy, new uniforms and some balls from the tournament organizers. After the game, they all huddled up with their coach and said a prayer. Then the coach asked them what they were playing for, to which they all responded in unison "LUNCH!!"
So after the game, all 22 of them headed to a restaurant where they were rewarded for their victory with a hearty meal.
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